Can I Use Copyrighted Music In YouTube Videos?

Learn how YouTube’s copyright system works, how to legally use copyrighted music in YouTube videos and how to resolve third-party copyright claims.

Many YouTubers are convinces that using copyrighted music in YouTube videos is a surefire way for getting your account penalized and your video muted or removed altogether. The reality isn’t that grim but you do need to understand how to legally use copyrighted music on YouTube to avoid copyright strikes on your channel.

First of all, let us put your mind at ease. Yes, you CAN legally use copyrighted music in YouTube videos BUT you need to understand how YouTube’s copyright system works.

What happens if I use copyrighted music on YouTube?

YouTube employs a robust system called Content ID that allows copyright owners to identify and to manage how their content is used on YouTube. Every video uploaded to YouTube is scanned against the Content ID database to detect if it contains any copyrighted music or video.

Copyright owners, not YouTube, get to decide what to do with videos that contain their work.

If you use copyrighted music registered in the Contend ID system, the copyright owner may decide to:

In most cases, Content ID is only available to established music publishers, however, a number of YouTube certified companies, like AdRev, Audiam, and few more, offer technical solutions for smaller independent music producers, so they can also protect their works with YouTube’s Content ID system.

For example, if you use a music track registered in the AdRev system, you will receive a copyright claim (also known as third party content match) that looks like this:

If you have already switched to the new YouTube studio, the claims may be harder to notice but they do appear:

I’ve got a copyright claim. Am I in trouble?

That depends. The Content ID system is merely informing you that it detected some copyrighted music in your video. The copyright owner decides whether they want to allow you to use their music.

In most cases, the owners will be happy to let you use their music in exchange for putting ads in your video. Sadly, this means you won’t be able to monetize your video.

However, if your video was taken down, this most likely will affect your account standing and you may lose access to some YouTube features. Repeated offenders will be banned from YouTube. Note that deleting offending videos won’t restore your account standing.

How can I legally use copyrighted music on YouTube?

When you get a third party content claim YouTube suggest you do one of the following:

Acknowledge it. If you don’t mind the ads, you don’t have to do anything.

Remove or swap the music. *

Share revenue. If you’re a partner you can share revenues for song covers.

Dispute the claim if you believe you have the right to use the music.

* Starting in 2019, YouTube has been making some changes to make it easier for creators to resolve the claims. In particular, YouTube configured their post claim tools – Add or Replace a Song, Remove a Song, and Trimming – to automatically release claims on some of the cases.

The best option is to secure the permission of the copyright owner to use their music on YouTube and to have the owner retract the claim. This may be free (as with Creative Commons or Public Domain music) or you may need to pay a licensing fee.

Getting the permission (or the license) may be easy or hard depending on what kind of music you’d like to use.

If you are after a popular commercial song this usually involves getting in touch with the publisher and working out a deal. As you can imagine, the licensing fees in this case may be quite substantial.

Fortunately, many music production companies and individual composers create music specifically for use in YouTube videos. You can get such music either directly from a composer or from a marketplace, like ours. Our licenses explicitly allow for using our music on YouTube, which makes retracting the claims very easy.

Why do I need to deal with copyright claims if I have the permission to use the music?

Unfortunately, the Content ID system cannot tell in advance (yet!) whether you have permission to use a particular music track. It merely informs you that your video contains copyrighted music. It is your responsibility to reach out to the copyright owner and to request the retraction of the claim.

Nowadays, most professional composers resort to AdRev or similar services to protect their copyright. Don’t let this discourage you. AdRev system allows the composers to easily clear the claims and even to whitelist entire YouTube channels to prevent any future claims. Learn how to remove copyright claims.

Please see below for some examples of the videos that use our music. All these videos use copyrighted music that is registered with AdRev. However, as you can see no ads appear in the videos and the videos are fully accessible on YouTube.

Want to use these music tracks in your video?

To use in personal or small business (up to 10 employees) promotional video, social media, podcast, presentation, free / student film, free app / game, and any media / online content not intended for sale.

Commercial Royalty Free License

To use in corporate (10 employees +) promotional video, social media, podcast, presentation, tradeshow, point of sale, on hold, event, online / regional TV advertisement incl. political, and all revenue generating media, games and online content up to 1,000 sales.

Extended Royalty Free License

To use in all revenue generating content with unlimited sales, feature film with unlimited distribution, TV/Radio show with nation-wide audience, and commercial TV/Radio advertisement.

To use in personal or small business (up to 10 employees) promotional video, social media, podcast, presentation, free / student film, free app / game, and any media / online content not intended for sale.

Commercial Royalty Free License

To use in corporate (10 employees +) promotional video, social media, podcast, presentation, tradeshow, point of sale, on hold, event, online / regional TV advertisement incl. political, and all revenue generating media, games and online content up to 1,000 sales.

Extended Royalty Free License

To use in all revenue generating content with unlimited sales, feature film with unlimited distribution, TV/Radio show with nation-wide audience, and commercial TV/Radio advertisement.

To use in personal or small business (up to 10 employees) promotional video, social media, podcast, presentation, free / student film, free app / game, and any media / online content not intended for sale.

Commercial Royalty Free License

To use in corporate (10 employees +) promotional video, social media, podcast, presentation, tradeshow, point of sale, on hold, event, online / regional TV advertisement incl. political, and all revenue generating media, games and online content up to 1,000 sales.

Extended Royalty Free License

To use in all revenue generating content with unlimited sales, feature film with unlimited distribution, TV/Radio show with nation-wide audience, and commercial TV/Radio advertisement.

We guarantee to clear all copyright claims for any music licensed via our site or your money back!

Wouldn’t it be easier to use “copyright free” music?

As long as a particular music track is not registered with the Content ID system, it won’t trigger any copyright claims. If you search the Web, you will certainly find YouTube channels and Web sites offering freely downloadable “copyright free” music.

However, if you’re a partner or in charge of your company’s video marketing channel, you should always opt for obtaining the formal license that explicitly grants you the right to use the music the way you need.

MikS Music, one of our composers, put together a great article discussing the risks associated with using “copyright free” music on YouTube:

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Takeaway

Yes, you absolutely can use copyrighted music on YouTube, as long as you get the permission from the copyright holder. Keep it on file for any possible copyright dispute. Get your music from a reputable music provider.

Need music for commercial use?

With exception of public domain and some types of creative commons music, using music in commercial business projects requires the explicit permission of the copyright owner.

We offer a collection of 1000+ professionally produced instrumental music tracks with a variety of commercial licensing options. All our music is royalty free, cleared for commercial use.

Below is a quick sample of our library. To license, simply choose one of the available pricing options based on the intended use. Each license grants you the perpetual worldwide usage rights effective immediately after the purchase.

78 thoughts on “Can I Use Copyrighted Music In YouTube Videos?”

Thank you for this post. I’m an honest YouTuber who buys all of her music, but sometimes I get stuck buying “Royalty Free” music from artists who report their track to Adrev (without informing the buyer), and it takes anywhere from 24hr to a week to get the video released from Adrev.

By then all of my subscribers ( and I have a pretty big channel) have seen the video already, thus I receive no advertising revenues from that video.

Is this fair? What did the artist get out of this? I’ll never buy from that person again or support him, in fact I’ll be sure to spread who NOT to buy from to other YouTubers. When I complained to this artist, all I got was a, “I have to protect my music”…… *sigh*

I do understand your frustration! Let me explain why many composers, myself included resort to using AdRev.

One of the issues is that for every legit buyer, I have dozens and dozens of people using my music without permission. Before AdRev, there was no way for us, royalty free music composers, to monetize on unauthorized use.

There’s another, even bigger, problem though. If I don’t register my music, there is a pretty big chance someone else will, just to make a quick buck on YouTube. AdRev is tightening the rules, but sadly abuse is still widespread.

So it’s not only about protecting the music but ALSO PROTECTING THE BUYER from rogue claims. At least the composers are WILLING and able to remove the claims for those who licensed their music. On the other hand, the abusers are not interested in removing the claims whatsoever.

Now to solve your issue with the subscribers.

Upload your video to YouTube but don’t publish it just yet (or publish as private). Clear the claim and then publish. That’s it! Your video is claim free and available to all your subscribers.

That’s a great answer Mik. I have a little home studio with almost 200 friends. I was in a band YEARS ago as a bass player and I am a Music Major. Now, at 57, I just want to cover songs that are near and dear to me for my friends and also, as a kind of Legacy for my son when I’m gone. My vids are under the “producer name” of “Fm Studio” and I’ve done 5 so far with 3 copyright warnings already. I am a YouTube Premium Member and I post My Vids on Facebook. This is for enjoyment only but I don’t want to lose my channel.

Hi, I am in the process of producing a fitness video for cancer patients and cancer survivors. The segments in the video are not for profit, and all the participants in the video are cancer survivors. However The overlapping music i want to use is copyrighted music. My question is can i upload it to you tube privately with a link? or how can i do this with out getting red flagged. I would like to use you tube as a platform for cancer survivors to go to. Thank You

Good question Jesse. If the copyright owner is determined to pursue legal action, I don’t think the content id system can provide any protection (think the RIAA lawsuits). However, imho most copyright owners use the system to avoid filing notices / pressing charges. They simply choose what they want the system to do (block, mute, or monetize on your videos) and let YouTube deal with the offenders. Hope that answers your question. Please note, I am not a lawyer and this can’t be considered a legal advice.

Should copyrighted music be available on the internet free of charge, even if it is against the wish of the artist and the recording company? Consider both sides of the argument to make a more convincing argument.

Man i agree i got a few copyrighted strikes because of liking copyrighted music i mean i dont think its fair because of all those people that like abusing us people that want to use for good cause and give credit to the artist i still get copyrighted atleast if we gave the artist credit we should be allowed to use it and without any punishment.

Hi, I’m just a bit confused. Does this mean that if you buy/purchase the music from the artist (off iTunes, or in any legitimate way), and use it in your video, that would be okay? Would I still have to contact the artist to use the music in my video if I’ve purchased/paid for the track? Thanks so much! I’m just starting out as a youtuber and would like to use a really beautiful song as my intro music, but I’d like to do it right. Thanks for the advice!

Generally, if you purchase music from iTunes you are not allowed to use it for anything but personal listening. If you put commercial music on YouTube the outcome may differ from nothing to copyright strike on your account. See if you can find your artist here: https://www.youtube.com/music_policies﻿

If you want to use music in videos or other projects (even if not commercial) it’s best to get the explicit permission from the artist. Alternatively you can license production music from a site like this one (safemusiclist.com), where artists upload their music to let others use it in videos and commercial projects in exchange for a licensing fee.

I’ve seen a lot of AMVs or just random videos where they use songs in the background just for fun. So, I think at least some of those didn’t get permission for the owner.

Will it still be bad if I only use it for entertainment purposes, don’t get any money or any other benefit for it, use only part of the song, and put a disclaimer in the description? I mean, it still technically is bad, I know, but a lot of people on YT are doing this and… I just wanna ask, lol.

Keep in mind, YouTube’s system is automated, so it doesn’t matter what you put in the description or how you plan to use the video. As long as the music is registered in the content id system, YouTube will react in some way based on the preferences set by the owner.

Yes, this can get confusing 🙂 The rule of thumb is that unless you have the explicit permission from the owner (or purchased a license for a production music track), it will be difficult to dispute the claim.

To the best of my knowledge, there is no such thing. If a particular piece of music is registered in the content id system, and the system is able to recognize it (under the dialogue or what have you), it will get flagged. The result may be harmless or not, depending on the preferences set by the copyright owner.

If you’re posting your own content you shouldn’t worry much. If you’re doing covers of popular commercial songs you may get ads on your videos. If you’re singing along that really depends on the songs. Hope that helps.

Hi, I’m just wanting to post some travel videos to my friends on Facebook that I’ve made with popular but copyrighted music. If it’s just playing for my small list of Facebook friends will this be a problem and if so, how do I resolve it?

This is just so confusing. One, can you use audio from iTunes in a video? Two, can you take audio from a video without calling it copyright? And Three, if you say that the audio belongs to its creator, does that make a difference?

One – technically yes, but depending on the owner’s preferences your video may get a claim, get muted, become not available in some countries, and so on. See https://www.youtube.com/music_policies for possible outcome.

Two – I don’t quite understand your question.

Three – no, it makes no difference what you say in the description of your video

My daughter makes cute videos from Animal Jam and puts it to a,song she likes. Is this OK? I see TONS of lyric videos and stuff to all kinds of popular songs. I doubt everyone has gotten permission to use them.

Hello, I am making a mainly original song, and I was wanting to use part of the flute part of Kokiri Forest (Legend Of Zelda) I have tried getting in touch with the owner (Nintendo) and they just said they wouldn’t be able to tell me anything about their copyright laws. They mainly just told me to look up how to use a part of a song without owners permission. Because it is just a small section of the song (Like 9 Bars 4/4 time), would that be okay to use because it is such a small section of the song? I use nothing else copyrighted in the song.

It really depends on what you’re planning to do with that song. If you’re just making it for fun, I wouldn’t worry much. If you’re planning on using it commercially or offering it for sale or licensing, I would strongly advice against using any uncleared 3rd party samples. Get a royalty free flute sample instead. Cheers!

Heyy nice post…is it possible to use copyrighted music on my dj sets that I upload to youtube my intention is not to monetize my videos at first place is that possible? because I see youtube channels like Juicy m boiler room mix mag and other that use copyright music and their videos are normal thanks for the answer and sorry for my english

I make lots of drawing videos and then put music in the background (a few I have done are From a Distance, Say Something). I write in the description the song title and the artist. A friend of mine said that YouTube could take off my channel? Is this true? How will I be able to put music in the back if it’s copyrighted? And I always see lyric videos and things like tv fan videos to popular songs. Surely they can’t ALL own the rights. How do I put music in the back without hurting my channel? I’m so confused…

Alternatively, license a song from an indie artist or a music library and use it in your videos. Having a valid license will help you defend against any possible copyright claims on your videos. Hope this helps!

Hi my youtube channel name is On The Web…I am new to youtube..
Earlier i used to upload videos of America’s Got Talent…i couldn’t make any money from it because of copyright issues though nothing happened to my channel…
Then i started recording audios of singers in a reality show(Sa Re Ga Ma Pa) and uploaded them on youtube… This time i monetised all my videos(4 vids) and i was getting good views almost 1k in a day
But then a third party complained about my chaneel and all my 4 videos were taken down from YouTube…
I have seen many other Youtubers doing the same thing and uploading same music as i did..but their channels are running good…
I want to know what i can do to stop getting copyright strikes or what they are doing so that they dont get copyright….or why their videos are still on youtube
Hope you understand my problem…and i will get a reply from you…u can mail me if u like

Hi, I am the music minister at my church. We currently purchase from major music companies choir and ensemble music along with the accompaniment tracks for performance in our church.
Is it permissible to video and upload them to YouTube for our members to view?

Hi. I like to make home movies to share with family and friends. I often use copyrighted music, which I have paid for, as a background track. As my family is scattered across the world, I’d like to upload Youtube and share privately with a selected group. Can I do this legally?

Hi I am a retired DJ and I want to make and publish on youtube, a video (just music and jingles and perhaps some old commercials) from stations I have worked at. The music to be used is all on youtube already (50 & 60 oldies) and the jingles are from the respective radio stations. Since the music I would be using is already published on YT will there be any problems? This, of course is for historical purposes to give the youth of today a sample of what radio sounded like in the 50’s and 60’s and I do not want or expect to receive any monetary gain from anyone. In other words I am doing this free. This is all greek to me and pressure from friends forces me to at least try to accomplish this as they think it will be great.

Hi, I used ‘shine bright like a diamond’ for a school short movie my pupils made. I published it and only later realised it wouldnt work on mobile devices or ipads, only computers. I cant change the song as its been published and sent to releveant sources as a project. What can I do?

Hello! I’m not planning on being some intense Youtuber, I just want to share some of my beginning animation projects and see if my(hopeful) talent reaches out and entertains anyone. They have music in the background, however. I got to this question when I finished a school animation project and I tried to share it on FB to my family, but it wasn’t allowed due to copyright.
I read all of what the website had to say, but I’m still rather lost, and I don’t want to hurt owners of music should I use it. How do I properly contact them to gain their permission? Email? I think I once saw someone ask through the comment section of a video? Is it something they have to “sign” or can they just say, “Yea, go for it,” and they don’t do anything when they see you use their song?
The ads are apparently okay, and so is the “Includes copyrighted content,” warning, but knowing me, I would still panic about it and hope the owner of the song isn’t mad at me using their songs with or without permission. Any and all help is greatly appreciated. ^-^

That really depends on what music you’re after. Getting permission from a top artist may be close to impossible, while there are many independent musicians who will happily let you use their music in exchange for some exposure.

Alternatively, you can get music from a music library. They make music specifically for videos and projects like yours. If you make lots of animations it will make sense to get a royalty free music subscription rather than licensing songs one by one.

Thanks for this post, it has been a great place to start trying to learn what is and is not good practice for uploading.

I have a peculiar case that I can’t find in the discussion however: I wanted to record a parody of the first half of a song to use in a video, but I cannot find if that is covered under fair use or if YouTube at least has the rights to the song I will be creating the parody of to handle the royalties for a mechanical license.

I have been shooting videos of ice shows at a few local rinks, putting them on vimeo for parents/relatives to watch and for the local cable system to download and run on the local cable channel. The rinks have all the appropriate licenses and they use services to custom edit the music used for the skating programs. The cable channel has music use licenses as well, the director has told me that they have a couple of different types of licenses to cover the use of copyrighted music. I guess I need to find out what they have, but he told me that they are over the top with licenses. I do not use YouTube, because if I put up any ice show video, it will instantly be taken down, so I put them up on vimeo.

Now I am getting copyright violation notices on vimeo and videos are being taken down by vimeo. I am NOT monetizing the videos, I am a member of the local skating clubs (where the videos are shot) US Figure Skating Associating (required as my daughter is a figure skater) and I am a member of the Cable Channel organization that airs the videos on the cable system.

What can I do to legally put such videos on vimeo (or someday youtube) without resulting in copyright violations, is it possible?

I am a drummer and I love playing to my favorite Bands – Not too long ago I uploaded to YouTube a Led Zeppelin Drum Cover of Achilles Last Stand – It was active for a couple days then blocked due to CR Infringement – I have no idea – But I thought I filled out the You Tube form correctly – I am sure I did not – I see many Drummers doing the exact same thing and their videos are up without being blocked – So can you explain in some detail what or how I need to fill out the form correctly so I can put up my Videos of Drum Covers for my friends to see ? I am not the most tech savvy guy, but a little help would be – helpful – Lol.

Hi ! I wish to ask permission for the use of a music video , bryan adams , have you ever really loved a woman? the one that show parts of the movie Don Juan De Marco. i would love to show this at my wedding during our wedding song and have black zoro masks for all those who want to be the worlds greatest lover…I think it will be fun and people will laugh and wear these silly masks…so this will be something everyone will remember from my wedding….plus the fireworks if it doesnt rain…ty Rosmary

Hi
Thank you for the informative article
Im in Saudi and starting my own youtube channel and want to use 10-35 seconds of songs of my choice, I plan on adding the names of soundtracks I use and links to them
Will using 35 seconds of songs get me copyrighted? and if yes how may I get permission
Thank you

It will tell you whether you can use a particular song and what will happen if you do. In many cases you can use it, as long as you agree to show ads in your videos (the ad revenue will go to the copyright owner).

If you plan to monetize your channel, this won’t be the best solution apparently. In this case, it’s best to license the music, so you can monetize without sharing the revenues with the music owner.

Check out https://www.tunepocket.com, they offer affordable royalty-free music subscription with copyright support. Hope this helps!

I record live events, generally in bars or pool halls, that has music playing in the background. Is there a solution or license that I can buy that will cover the background music? I absolutely have no control over what is being played in the background as it is either automatically played by the venue OR it is played by a patron.

I’m considering uploading ASL song translations to YouTube predominantly for sharing with a small group of people. If I can’t use audio from iTunes, can I use audio from a CD or where else can I get the audio? For example, I want to use ‘Fool’s Gold’ by 1D (the music_policies page says it will only get ads), where should I be getting the audio from?